Integrated Impact Assessment - Corporate Enforcement Policy
Our Integrated Impact Assessment is designed to help our decision making and ensure that a proposal:
- is aligned to the Council’s Corporate Well-being Objectives
- complies with the Equality Act 2010, including our socio-economic duty
- complies with the Welsh Language Measure 2011 (Welsh Language requirements)
- contributes to the National Well-being goals of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and incorporates the principles of Sustainable Development
- considers risk management
The Integrated Impact Assessment is categorised into the 7 National Well-being Goals for Wales:
- A prosperous Wales – where everyone has jobs and there is no poverty
- A resilient Wales – where we’re prepared for things like floods
- A healthier Wales – where everyone is healthier and can see the doctor when they need to
- A more equal Wales – where everyone has an equal chance whatever their background
- A Wales of cohesive communities – where communities can live happily together
- A Wales of vibrant culture and thriving Welsh language – where we have lots of opportunities to do different things and where people can speak Welsh if they want to
- A globally responsible Wales – where we look after the environment and think about other people around the world
Proposal Details
Title of Policy / Proposal / Initiative
- Corporate Enforcement Policy
Service Area
- Policy, Performance and Public Protection.
Officer completing Integrated Impact Assessment
- Alun Williams.
Corporate Lead Officer
- Alun Williams.
Please give a brief description of the purpose of the proposal
Ceredigion County Council has legal duties to carry out various checks and enforcement activities that help protect the environment, the public, and businesses. Here are some of the things that the council has a duty to protect:
- Public health and wellbeing – ensuring that food and drink is safe to consume.
- Environment – ensuring that wildlife and biodiversity are protected.
- Economy – we protect local businesses from being damaged by unfair and illegal competition.
- Community - we can act to safeguard historic buildings.
- Housing - we ensure minimum housing standards, particularly in the private rented sector.
- Learning – we can act to ensure young people attend school.
- Access – we can take action to keep rights of way open.
- Safety and nuisance - we work extensively with other agencies, including the Police.
- Planning - we ensure development is controlled within planning legislation and council plans.
- Animal Welfare - we take action to maintain regulatory standards.
To simplify matters, we have developed a draft Corporate Enforcement Policy. This brings all our relevant enforcement activity into a single document. Some activity, for instance parking offences, must have stand-alone procedures.
The purpose of the policy is to provide clarity to officers and to businesses/individuals on the approach that the Authority is likely to take when infringements are detected.
Who will be directly affected by this proposal?
Local businesses, businesses from outside the County who conduct transactions with other businesses and consumers within the County, private individuals and citizens that do not comply with regulations or conditions.
Have those who will be affected by the proposal had the opportunity to comment on it? Please provide details.
A public consultation will take place in December 2025/January 2026. This IIA will be reviewed following the consultation.
Version Control
| Version Number | Author | Decision making stage | Date Considered | Description of any amendments made |
| 1.0 | Alun Williams | Pre-Scrutiny | 21/10/2025 | Not applicable. |
Council Corporate Well-being Objectives
Which of the Council’s Corporate Well-being Objectives does this proposal address and how?
Ceredigion Council Corporate Strategy 2022-27
Boosting the economy, supporting business, and enabling employment
-
The draft policy provides a consistent and proportionate enforcement of regulations that contributes to the following corporate priorities: Support new and growing businesses in the county, promote equal opportunities in employment, achieve sustainable economic growth and tackle poverty in Ceredigion.
Officers will always attempt to educate local businesses to secure compliance. More formal sanctions are retained for more serious offences or those that present a serious risk of injury to persons or property.
Creating caring and healthy communities
- The draft policy does not contribute directly to this priority but, maintaining Public Health and protecting the public from harm by others are key aims of the draft policy.
Providing the best start in life and enabling learning at all ages
- Appendix D: School Attendance Compliance Procedures offer a proportionate response to ensuring the right of children and young people to an education. This contributes indirectly to ensuring that pupils are confident communicators in both Welsh and English by the end of Key Stage 2 and to ensure that all learners’ identified Additional Learning Needs are supported appropriately to become independent and fulfilled individuals.
Creating sustainable, greener, and well-connected communities
- The draft Enforcement Policy does not contribute directly to this priority, but it is intended to address the issues that the Authority has statutory responsibility for. Such issues can cross a wide spectrum from environmental matters such as contamination of land and pollution of air and water to disease in livestock.
National Well-being Goal: A Prosperous Wales
An innovative, productive, and low carbon society where everyone has decent work and there is no poverty.
Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.
Positive: The draft policy will assist businesses in that it outlines how the Authority will address matters of non-compliance or nonconformity. It also supports businesses who are undermined by non-compliant competitors. It contributes directly to enabling participation in education (Appendix D – School Attendance Compliance Procedures).
Negative: None identified, it is not expected that the proposal will place greater pressure on local business as businesses are required to comply with legislative requirements regardless of policy.
What evidence do you have to support this view?
The policy aims to support successful compliant businesses that are the backbone of the economy and offer good employment and respect the environment. The policy also aims to offer a proportionate response to non-school attendance.
What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to this National Well-being Goal?
Consistent and proportionate enforcement of regulations and conditions.
National Well-being Goal: A Resilient Wales
A society where biodiversity is maintained and enhanced and where ecosystems are healthy and functioning.
Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.
Positive: The enforcement of ground contamination, air quality and private water supplies make a significant contribution to this goal. The Planning Enforcement Charter (Appendix B) outlines a consistent and proportionate approach to demolition within a conservation area, without conservation area consent, when it is required
Negative: None identified.
What evidence do you have to support this view?
Organisations, businesses and individuals can undertake activities that can lead to pollution and damaged eco systems. The policy sets out a proportionate approach to enforcement activity that reduces the risk of this happening.
What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to this National Well-being Goal?
Consistent and proportionate enforcement of regulations and conditions.
National Well-being Goal: A Healthier Wales
A society where people make healthy choices and enjoy good physical and mental health.
Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.
Positive: The enforcement of food law, including hygiene and standards, animal feed and regulations during communicable disease incidents, outbreaks and pandemics all contribute to this goal. The Private Housing Enforcement Policy (Appendix C) aims to improve housing conditions.
Negative: None identified.
What evidence do you have to support this view?
Lack of controls and enforcement can lead to hazardous housing, the spread of disease, serious injury and death.
What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to this National Well-being Goal?
Consistent and proportionate enforcement of conditions and regulations.
National Well-being Goal: A More Equal Wales
A society where everyone has an equal chance whatever their background or circumstances.
This section is longer because you are asked to assess the impact of your proposal on each group that is protected by the Equality Act 2010.
If you have identified no greater impact on the groups listed than on the general population, you should select ‘None/Negligible’.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people because of their age?
Children and Young People up to 18
- Positive
People 18-50
- None/Negligible
Older people 50+
- Positive
Describe the positive or negative impacts.
Enforcement can protect all the above groups from criminal or unscrupulous activity by others. However, the Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). It's likely that this will protect children and young people and older people more than people aged 18-50. The School Attendance Compliance Procedures particularly protect children and young people’s right to education.
No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
The Local authority receives hundreds of referrals every year where it is alleged that people or animals are victims of statutory transgressions or criminal activity.
The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as age;…of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”” and also, “When dealing with juveniles…, due regard will be taken of their vulnerability and of any current Codes of Practice whether statutory or not, to ensure these persons are treated fairly.”
The Policy also states that, “the Authority is well aware that the criminal justice system treats children and young people differently from adults and in considering a case involving such a group the best interests and welfare of the child will be a public interest factor taken into consideration.”
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
The policy aims to provide a framework for consistent and proportionate enforcement of conditions and regulations.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people because of their disability?
Hearing Impairment
- Positive
Physical Impairment
- Positive
Visual Impairment
- Positive
Learning Disability
- Positive
Long Standing Illness
- Positive
Mental Health
- Positive
Describe the positive or negative impacts.
Enforcement can protect all the above groups from criminal or unscrupulous activity by others. Some disabled people may be more at risk than abled people. The Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
Disabled people are often preyed upon and exploited by criminals, and unscrupulous individuals. The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as… disability;…of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people who are transgender?
Trans Women
- None / Negligible
Trans Men
- None / Negligible
Non-binary people
- None / Negligible
Describe the positive or negative impacts
The Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). However, we believe that the positive impact on people in this group would be negligible. No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as… gender reassignment; …of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people with different sexual orientation?
Bisexual
- None / Negligible
Gay Men
- None / Negligible
Gay Women/Lesbian
- None / Negligible
Heterosexual/Straight
- None / Negligible
Describe the positive or negative impacts
The Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). However, we believe that the positive impact on people in this group would be negligible. No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as… sexual orientation;…of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people who are married or in a civil partnership?
People who are married
- None / Negligible
People in a civil partnership
- None / Negligible
Describe the positive or negative impacts
The Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). However, we believe that the positive impact on people in this group would be negligible. No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as… marriage or civil partnership status;…of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people who are pregnant or on maternity leave?
Pregnancy
- None / Negligible
Maternity
- None / Negligible
Describe the positive or negative impacts
The Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). However, we believe that the positive impact on people in this group would be negligible. No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
The draft policy does not include any actions that will disproportionately impact on people who are pregnant or on maternity leave.
What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to positive impacts?
The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as… pregnancy or maternity status;…of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people because of their ethnic origin?
Asian / Asian British
- None/Negligible
Black / African / Caribbean / Black British
- None/Negligible
Mixed / Multiple Ethnic Groups
- None/Negligible
White
- None / Negligible
Other Ethnic Groups
- None/Negligible
Describe the positive or negative impacts
The Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). However, we believe that the positive impact on people in this group would be negligible. No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as… the ethnic origin;…of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”
Also, “Officers are aware of and respect cultural requirements and when necessary and with prior notice, will arrange suitable meeting times and venues, and appropriate translation or interpretation services.”
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people with different religions, beliefs, or non-beliefs?
Buddhist
- None/Negligible
Christian
- None/Negligible
Hindu
- None/Negligible
Humanist
- None/Negligible
Jewish
- None/Negligible
Muslim
- None/Negligible
Sikh
- None/Negligible
Non-belief
- None / Negligible
Describe the positive or negative impacts
The Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). However, we believe that the positive impact on people in this group would be negligible. No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as… the religion;…of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”
Also, “Officers are aware of and respect cultural requirements and when necessary and with prior notice, will arrange suitable meeting times and venues...”
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on men or women?
Men
- None / Negligible
Women
- None / Negligible
Describe the positive or negative impacts
The Policy acknowledges the rights of people protected by the Equality Act (Chapter 2, sub-heading: Equality). However, we believe that the positive impact on people in this group would be negligible. No negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
The Policy states that, “We will comply with the Equality Act 2010, and not discriminate or otherwise be influenced by issues such as… the sex;…of the suspect(s), victim or offender.”
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between men and women?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people from the Armed Forces Community?
Members of the Armed Forces
- None / Negligible
Veterans
- None / Negligible
Spouses
- None / Negligible
Children
- None / Negligible
Describe the positive or negative impacts
No positive or negative impact identified.
What evidence do you have to support this?
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
The consultation may identify further impact or actions.
Socio-economic Duty
Socio-economic disadvantage means living on a low income compared to others in Wales, with little or no accumulated wealth, making it more difficult to access basic goods and services.
Family background or where a person is born still affects their life. For example, a child from a wealthy family often does better at school than a child from a poor family, even if the poorer child is more naturally academic. This is sometimes called socio-economic inequality.
Do you think this proposal will have a positive or a negative impact on people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage?
- Positive
Describe the positive or negative impacts
Enforcement can protect the above group from criminal or unscrupulous activity by others. Consistent application of enforcement policies can help members of the public understand their rights and responsibilities.
What evidence do you have to support this?
Socio-economic disadvantaged people are more likely to be the victims of criminal, exploitative or unscrupulous behaviour. Appendix C: Private Housing Enforcement Policy and Appendix D – School Attendance Compliance Procedures in particular are likely to benefit this group.
What action(s) can you to take to mitigate any negative impacts?
Is there an opportunity to use this proposal to eliminate unlawful discrimination, advance equality of opportunity or encourage good relations between people in this group and the rest of the population?
No negative impact identified but the consultation may identify further impact.
National Well-being Goal: A Wales of Cohesive Communities
A society with attractive, viable, safe, and well-connected communities.
Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.
Positive: Consistent and proportionate enforcement can mitigate the impact of criminal, exploitative or unscrupulous acts. This makes a positive contribution to community cohesion and people feeling safe. The Planning Enforcement Charter (Appendix B) outlines a consistent and proportionate approach to untidy land or buildings that may be adversely affecting the amenity of an area. This increases people’s satisfaction with the local area.
Negative: None identified, it is not expected that the proposal will create risk of homelessness as landlords are required to comply with legislative requirements regardless of the Council's policy.
What evidence do you have to support this view?
Without enforcement, illegal activity can spread and grow, and create numerous victims in a community. Appropriate publishing of enforcement, as outlined in the draft Policy, can help people feel safe and satisfied with their local area.
Appendix C: Private Housing Enforcement Policy lists the legislation that underpins the Council's enforcement activity.
What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to the goal?
An enforcement policy that is applied consistently and proportionally will contribute to this goal.
National Well-being Goal: A Wales of Vibrant Culture and Thriving Welsh Language
A society that that promotes and protects culture, heritage, and the Welsh language and which encourages people to take part in the arts, sports, and recreation.
Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.
Positive: the Planning Enforcement Charter (Appendix B) outlines a consistent and proportionate approach to works carried out to a ‘listed’ building without listed building consent being granted. The School Attendance Compliance Procedures (Appendix D) supports children and young people to attend school, where they will learn Welsh, in accordance with our Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (a corporate priority).
Negative: none identified.
What evidence do you have to support this view?
Census 2021 shows that the largest proportion (72%) of Welsh speakers in Ceredigion are 3-15 (school age). All our primary schools and some of our secondary schools are now Welsh medium.
What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to the goal?
Further actions may be identified by the public consultation campaign.
With reference to the following, do you think this proposal will have a positive or negative effect on the Welsh language?
Opportunities for people to use the Welsh language
- None / Negligible
Treating the Welsh language, no less favourably than the English language
- None / Negligible
What evidence do you have to support this view?
The draft policy does not aim to raise the profile of the Welsh language. However, everyone has the right to access Council services in either Welsh or English, this includes enforcement.
What action(s) can you take to increase the positive impact or mitigate any negative impact on the Welsh language?
No negative impact identified.
National Well-being Goal: A Globally Responsible Wales
A society that considers how our actions might impact on other countries and people around the world.
Does the proposal contribute to this goal? Describe the positive or negative impacts.
Local Authority enforcement rarely impacts other countries or people around the world.
What evidence do you have to support this view?
CCC enforcement action is predominantly taken against businesses and individuals within Ceredigion, Wales and sometimes in the UK. Foreign enforcement action is extremely rare.
What action(s) can you take to mitigate any negative impacts or better contribute to the goal?
An enforcement policy that is applied consistently and proportionally will contribute to the reputation of Ceredigion and Wales as a place to undertake business, and a place to live safely.
Strengthening the Proposal
If you have identified any negative impacts in the above sections, please provide details of any practical changes and actions that could help remove or reduce the negative impacts.
| What will you do? | When? | Who is responsible? | Progress |
If no action is to be taken to remove or mitigate negative impacts, please justify why. (If you have identified any unlawful discrimination then the proposal must be changed or revised.)
No negative aspects identified.
How will you monitor the impact and effectiveness of the proposal?
Through quarterly monitoring of enforcement data.
Sustainable Development Principle: 5 Ways of Working
Describe below how you have implemented the five ways of working in accordance with the sustainable development principle of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015.
Long term - balancing short-term needs with long-term need and planning for the future.
- The current Corporate Enforcement policy has served us well since 2017. The updated policy will continue to serve us in the long term as enforcement will be required on an ongoing basis. It will be reviewed every 5 years to ensure that it reflects significant legislative and/or procedural changes.
Collaboration - working together with other partners to deliver.
- The proposed updated policy is consistent with similar local authority policies across Wales and the UK. it has received input from the relevant WLGA policy officer. Effective delivery of the policy requires collaboration with numerous other enforcement agencies across the UK.
Involvement - involving those with an interest and seeking their views.
- We will consult on the proposed updated policy with the general public, local businesses and our enforcement partners via our website and through social media for a minimum of six weeks.
Prevention - putting resources into preventing problems occurring or getting worse.
- Prevention is a key aspect of the proposed updated policy. The authority strives to work with local business and residents to ensure compliance by alternative means including advice and support and the provision of a reasonable timescale to comply, unless the transgression is of a serious nature.
Integration - considering the impact of your proposal on the four pillars of well-being (social, economic, cultural and environment) the objectives of other public bodies and across service areas in the Council.
-
Being corporate in nature, the policy has been considered by all services within the council and includes appendices outlining enforcement action of environmental health, planning, housing and school attendance teams.
The policy will have a beneficial impact on the local economy in ensuring a level playing field for businesses and that compliant businesses are not undermined by rogue competitors. It will protect the environment and the social fabric of our communities by combating criminality, exploitation and maintaining basic standards in housing. It also contributes to the rights of children and young people to education.
Risk
Summarise the risk associated with the proposal.
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
|
Impact Criteria |
Very Low | Low | Medium | High | Very High |
|
Likelihood Criteria |
Unlikely to occur | Lower than average chance of occurring | Even chance of occurring | Higher than average chance of occurring | Expected to occur |
| Risk Description | Impact | Probability | Score (Impact x Likelihood) |
| Not having a consistent, proportionate, transparent. fair and effective Corporate Enforcement policy, resulting in less protection for the public. | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| Staff not following the updated enforcement policy, resulting in inconsistent and unfair outcomes for local people. | 5 | 2 | 10 |
| Lack of specialist procedures could undermine the planning system, good housing standards and life chances for young people. | 4 | 3 | 12 |